Published 6:30 am, Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Lamar Odom practiced for the first time since he sprained a ligament in his right knee Dec. 12. He said afterward he expects to play Friday night when the Lakers host the Charlotte Bobcats. "I tried to push it at 100 percent. That's what you have to do in games," Odom said. "I tried to wait until my leg was stable and strong. It felt good to get back on the court."

Veteran forward Maurice Taylor was waived after 12 games with the club. Taylor, a 10th-year pro, played sparingly after signing with the Kings shortly before training camp. He played for the Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers before spending the past 1 1/2 seasons with New York.